But why does life exist? Is the answer as elusive as understanding infinity? Is it beyond our finite abilities? What about consciousness and connection to all things (as science has proven/theorized that everything in existence is of the same components and forces)?
To respectfully disagree with some well-known scholars, science is not the antithesis of theology. For example, you can’t apply the concept of “Res Ipsa Loquitur” (“the thing speaks for itself”) to all things tangible and intangible. While science searches to explain “what” life is, understanding “why” life exists is an entirely different matter. We define everything in terms of our limited five senses along with our unique ability to theorize. While these measures of striving and ability are responsible for advancing opportunities and choices, by definition they can only be as finite as we are. Science can only strive to explain “how”, but “why” relies on faith (which is broadly defined as belief without scientific proof). You believe that each breath, each heartbeat will be repeated, that the sun will rise each morning and that when you go to sleep, you will wake up in the morning; that life will continue (for a time) and then we die…
Science has illustrated the existence of billions of neurons and billions of neural connections, but has yet to offer understanding of conscious thought - “why” our microcellular genetic materials interact, modify and reproduce. The epiphany that should be apparent is that the more we learn, the more we find we don’t know, but the more we also appreciate the simplicity of our “finite” understanding and the vast complexity of creation. Ergo, theology/faith is not just an excuse for our ignorance, but an inescapable, intangible reasoning and belief in harmony with our growing scientific (but finite) knowledge and understanding.
Rabbah Emunatecha: I am most grateful for all I have, for the lessons that I receive; the belief that God predestines all creation, all happenings. With the approach of Rosh Hashanah, I pray for peace and ongoing strength to strive to respect, honor and better all God’s creation.
By Yohannan Fasbinder
Special to The Chronicle